Speaking at a rally organised by the National Electoral Reform Agenda (Nera), which is an amalgamation of political parties focused on change ahead of the 2018 elections, key opposition figure Tsvangirai encouraged the long-time head of state to relinquish power.

"Mugabe should retire now because he no longer has the capacity to think much about this country anymore. We say the best way to get out of this quagmire is for you [Mugabe] to retire," Tsvangirai, who ran against Mugabe in 2002 and 2008 elections, said, according to NewsDay newspaper.

"We will protect you wherever you will be. Just pass on the baton for the good of this country." It is unclear which event Tsvangirai referred to when he told Mugabe he could be spared prosecution for alleged atrocities. There have been widespread reports of systematic violations of human rights in Zimbabwe under Mugabe's regime.

"Mugabe can only go if we are in a strong coalition that is based on mutual trust and I'm not prepared to work with people who do not trust me," he said.

In reference to several existing coalitions including the Coalition of Democrats – dubbed Code - Tsvangirai warned that platforms created by smaller parties would not be strong enough to succeed in taking Mugabe in the polls.